5 Reasons Why Your Marketing Ideas Don't Work

1) Your Promo Materials and/or Web Site Are Poorly Designed.
If you are not a graphic designer or a web site developer, it may be in your best interest to hire someone. Having poorly designed brochures, flyers, postcards, business cards, etc. is a great way to turn a potential customer away. Having a bad-looking web site is even worse.

Your materials and web site don't have to look perfect, but they should look professional and modern.

2) Your Promo Materials and/or Web Site Are Too Wordy.
I've seen this a million times, and it urks me every time. Be conservative with the words. People do not want to read an essay when they get your brochure or visit your web site.

Keep it simple, and keep it short. Try to use an outline style of writing, and remember that people don't read - they scan.

3) You Don't Spend Enough Money On Marketing.
I've found that most new entrepreneurs who complain that marketing doesn't work will only spend about $25 a month or less on promoting their products or services. Some don't spend anything at all.

Of all your business expenses, marketing is the most important. No matter how good your product is, people will never buy it if they are unaware it exists. So, learn to allocate more funds to that area.

4) You Don't Brainstorm Enough About Marketing.
When most people think of marketing, they think of passing out flyers and sending an email to all their friends. Marketing goes far beyond this.

It involves brainstorming and experimenting to see what works, and what doesn't. Essentially, there are no rules - you just have to be creative, think of new concepts, and give them a shot. If one idea doesn't work, move onto another.

5) You Don't Know What Marketing Is.
Many people have only a general understanding of what marketing is. They fail to realize what the differences are between advertising and public relations. They don't fully understand buzz marketing, guerilla marketing, referral marketing, or even online marketing.

If this describes you, there are tons of books written on these topics. Visit your local library or book store, and find the book that best addresses your company's goals.

Again, this is the most important component to running a business - and it is well worth the investment of time, energy, and money.